Here’s how to fix tooth decay in dogs
You might occasionally check your dog’s mouth to make sure everything in there looks OK — but do you know exactly what to look for?
While rotten teeth might be obvious if they’re bleeding or falling out (gross, we know), there are other signs to look for before it gets so dramatic.
The Dodo reached out to Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian at Paramount Pet Health, and Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a veterinarian working with SpiritDog Training, to learn more about rotten teeth in dogs and how to fix it.
The Dangers of Rotten Dog Teeth
Rotten and decaying teeth are painful and dangerous for dogs. Not only can they make your pet not want to eat or drink, but they can lead to other diseases.
Dental disease puts dogs at risk for the development of heart disease. It causes elevated liver enzymes which may impact how your dog can tolerate medications. Rotten teeth also weaken the jaw bone around them leading to future dental loss and putting your dog at risk for a jaw fracture.
It is important not to underestimate the severity of pain and discomfort that rotten teeth can cause. Dogs explore their world with their mouths – which includes playing with their toys and grooming themselves. Dogs with painful mouths may stop grooming and even stop playing with their toys.
Can Your Pet Have Dental Surgery?
Dogs are prone to tooth decay because they lack salivary glands and therefore cannot properly wash away bacteria and plaque.
If your dog has severe tooth decay, you should consider having him or her undergo dentistry. Oral surgery is often necessary for treating serious cases of tooth decay, and it may also be required to correct other conditions such as jaw fractures and tumors.
Why Does My Dog’s Breath SMELL SO BAD? | Dental Disease in Dogs | Vet Explains | Dogtor Pete
We dont expect our dogs breath to smell particularly nice. The dog food which is so appetizing to canines is often quite unpleasant to us, for example. However, this does not mean it should smell rotten. If you notice your dogs breath is foul, you will need to take a look inside their mouth. When a dog has periodontitis, you will see various signs their teeth are rotting. These include a lot of tartar, discoloration of the teeth, changes to the gums and halitosis, i.e. the aforementioned bad breath. It is a complex clinical picture and prevention is always better than treatment.
At AnimalWised, we look at the reasons why your dog has rotten teeth. We understand the causes, symptoms and treatment of periodontitis in dogs, as well as what you can do to bets protect their teeth from rotting. You may also be interested in:
Periodontal disease is a general term for various inflammatory processes which affect the tissues surrounding the teeth. For this reason it is also commonly known as gum disease. The cause of the inflammation is due to bacterial accumulation on the teeth.
Although periodontal disease is often used interchangeably with periodontitis, periodontitis specifically refers to the advanced stage of this disease. As it progresses, the tissues become damaged and pull away from the teeth. These can eventually lead to tooth loss, although it will progress to a stage where the teeth look rotten. Although it is more common in felines, periodontitis is diagnosed with some frequency in dogs. It is particularly common in elderly dogs, especially if their teeth are poorly maintained.